Mark your calendars for CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure on October 5th at 7 PM or the 6th at 2 PM at the Peoria Center for Performing Arts. These free concerts promise to be a memorable experience for music lovers of all ages. Arrive early for open seating, and be prepared for fun, interaction, and incredible music.
The Central Arizona Flute Ensemble (CAFE Flutes) has been enriching the Phoenix area community with its unique approach to music-making since its formation in 2014. Comprised of a talented 7-member flute choir, CAFE Flutes presents interactive concerts that invite audiences to explore the vast world of flute music across genres and styles. With performances that combine education, entertainment, and engagement, CAFE Flutes is dedicated to creating experiences that resonate with listeners of all ages.
Upcoming Concert: CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure
On Saturday, October 5 at 7 PM and Sunday, October 6 at 2 PM, CAFE Flutes will perform CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure at the Peoria Center for Performing Arts. These concerts are free to the public, thanks to an Arts and Culture Grant from the City of Peoria. The performances will take place on the main stage of this renowned venue in downtown Peoria, offering a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of diverse musical styles.
The concerts will showcase the full range of instruments in the flute family, from the piccolo to the rare 10-foot-long contrabass flute. Attendees will be treated to a wide array of music, spanning classical masterpieces, Disney favorites, pop hits, patriotic tunes, oldies, and Broadway showstoppers. This variety reflects CAFE Flutes’ mission to bring music to a broad audience, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the distinguishing features of CAFE performances is their interactive nature. Audience members won’t just sit back and listen—they will have the chance to engage with the musicians directly. Flutists will pass around demonstration instruments, giving attendees an opportunity to handle and examine flutes and piccolos up close. These hands-on experiences foster a deeper connection to the music and the instruments themselves.
Q&A is part of every concert experience
“We mindfully disregard the classical concert tradition of keeping the audience at a distance,” says CAFE Manager Leslie Etzel. “Instead, we actively engage with our listeners. For example, rather than a printed program, we take turns standing up to introduce our music with interesting tidbits and a bit of humor. People see our faces, hear our voices, and connect with us, especially during the Q&A segment.”
CAFE’s goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where audiences feel not only entertained but also enlightened. The flutists enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes insights into the music, composers, and instruments, making each concert an educational experience as well as a performance.
A History of Enriching the Community
CAFE engaging at the Mesa Art Center
Since its formation, CAFE Flutes has performed at venues across the metro Phoenix area, including the Desert Botanical Garden, art galleries, senior living communities, libraries, and notable cultural hubs like the Tempe History Museum, Mesa Art Center, and Arizona Broadway Theatre. Wherever they perform, CAFE Flutes consistently brings their unique blend of musical excellence, humor, and interaction to the stage.
The ensemble places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning in music. By offering educational components in their performances—such as introductions to different flute instruments and explanations of musical styles—CAFE Flutes encourages audiences to deepen their appreciation for music. Whether it’s a young child marveling at the tiny piccolo or a senior citizen hearing a contrabass flute for the first time, the ensemble’s goal is to inspire curiosity and joy through music.
A Unique Ensemble: The Flute Family
One of the most intriguing aspects of CAFE Flutes is their use of the entire flute family. The ensemble features the piccolo, C flute, alto flute, bass flute, and the rarely seen contrabass flute, which is 10 feet long and adds a deep, resonant bass tone to the group’s sound.
Touching is learning
Audiences are often surprised to learn about the diversity within the flute family, as many people are only familiar with the standard C flute. CAFE Flutes takes pride in showcasing the unique timbres and ranges of each instrument, offering listeners a new perspective on what a flute ensemble can achieve.
The variety of instruments also allows CAFE Flutes to perform a wider range of music. For example, the alto and bass flutes add richness and depth to the lower registers, while the piccolo and the C flute bring brightness and agility to higher melodies. This versatility enables the group to perform complex, multi-layered arrangements that might otherwise be reserved for larger ensembles.
Audience Feedback and the Future
Audiences consistently rave about CAFE Flutes’ performances, with recent concertgoers sharing comments like, “You are one of the most enjoyable, talented group of musicians I have ever had the pleasure of hearing… I came here thinking, ‘I’ll listen to a few flutes.’ Little did I know how interesting and amazing this performance would be…I’ll never forget that 10-foot-long contrabass flute!”
Post-concert photo and conversation
These positive responses reflect the ensemble’s ability to surprise and delight their audiences, turning even the most skeptical listeners into flute enthusiasts. CAFE Flutes’ commitment to interaction and education has made them a beloved presence in Arizona’s musical community.
As they prepare for their upcoming performances at the Peoria Center for Performing Arts, CAFE Flutes is excited to continue its mission of enriching, enlightening, and inspiring through music. With a diverse repertoire, engaging performances, and a deep love for sharing the joy of music, CAFE Flutes looks forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to their concerts.
Join the Adventure: CAFE Odyssey
Peoria Center for Performing Arts
Contact us for more information.
